The Letter Paragraph by Paragraph

All letters of recommendation differ; however, most good letters of recommendation need at least three paragraphs containing the following types of information. The letter should spill over onto a second page, if possible.

Identify yourself and the student. Explain your affiliation, the capacity in which you have come to know the student, and for how long you have known him or her. Include course names as well as course numbers. State what grades the student earned in your course and mention how you would rank the student in relation to other students that you have known in the past. For example, did the student submit the best paper on nuclear disarmament that you have read in the last ten years? Did she excel at a particular activity or fall in the top 2% of students that you have taught in some specific respect?

Discuss the student's strengths and weaknesses. Be sure to give concrete examples to back up more general statements. Specificity is very important in a letter of recommendation. Make detailed references to specific projects or activities in which the student participated, or work that was produced.You should discuss some or all of the following:

Intellectual ability (overall intelligence, analytical skills, creativity, academic record, retention of information)
Knowledge of area of specialty (depth and breadth of knowledge, use and knowledge of methodology, experience)
Communication skills (writing skills, oral articulateness)
Personal qualities (industry, self-discipline, motivation, maturity, initiative, motivation, flexibility, leadership qualities, team working skills, perseverance, energy, competitiveness, etc.)
Suitability for graduate study or profession.
Conclude by recommending the student based on his or her performance in your class, and personal strengths and weaknesses.

Writing Letters of Recommendation Links:

GSI Teaching & Resource Center University of California, Berkeley

The Letter Paragraph by Paragraph

GSI Teaching & Resource Center
University of California, Berkeley